Pre-mature

I’m young, defined
To some degree
By age and all
An eye can see,
But though my hair
Is not yet white
And steps are bouncy,
Soft and light,
I know the pain
Of burdened years,
The horror of
So many fears,
How daily tasks
Can change into
Grim obstacles
One must get through.

No matter where
I was around,
Some trouble always
Could be found.
My hands were hooks,
Like claws composed;
I would be stuck
If doors were closed,
No better than
A kitten’s paws
That could not even
Give applause.
Afraid to sit,
I could not rise,
Infirm and all
That it implies;
If something dropped
Onto the ground,
It felt as if
I had been drowned,
No way to pick
Things up for me,
Such was my life
Before, you see.

Pity followed
Everywhere,
In people’s eyes,
How they would stare
Because I walked
And looked so young,
Seemed ordinary
Though I clung
To every rail
And every hope
I’d find a better
Way to cope
With illness that
Coursed through my frame,
I put the myth
Of age to shame.

Oh wow this effected me very deeply, one of your best poems so raw, heart-breaking, and honest. I read autoimmune diseases in the tags when I think that you are suffering its breaks my heart I wish you the best

This is an excellent poem. I do homecare, and one of my clients has cerebral palsy, so I have seen a young woman trapped by her body, and do take this to heart. Whether by RA or any other infirmity, it’s sad to see “young” spirits inside uncooperative bodies. Sadder still are the clients I have that allow the victimization and let their spirits die.

This is so visually beautiful. You chose such great words that allows the reader to empathise and with what it is like to have such an illness. I like ‘hands like hooks, like claws composed.’ Interesting that you also, ‘such was my life; before you see.’ If it is biographical, I am glad if it means its in the past or that you have found a better way to cope. Your poems really touch so many hearts.

This is a most touching poem…I’m so happy (knock on wood) that you are in remission! I begin my own health problems, but my hair is grey, so it may not feel great, but it’s normal. Definitely chocolate day for you Cubby! 😉

Such a raw and unfair situation! Why? So biographical as if it is you with hands like claws. This poem brought tears to my eyes dear Cubby, so much tears. I am so heart broken for the person behind the poetry. God has given you this talent to use words so beautifully and so honesty my friend. I have come to love you mt dear friend and that is a truth…

This is in the past, where hopefully it will stay. It gave me insight into a different world I had never experienced before. Every situation and circumstance in life offers opportunities to learn and grow. I believe I am, if not better for it, perhaps a little wiser.